[Homestead on the Hillside by Mary Jane Holmes]@TWC D-Link book
Homestead on the Hillside

CHAPTER III
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When all was ready St.Leon lifted her in his arms, and bearing her to the sleigh, stepped lightly in with her, and took his seat.
"It is hardly necessary for you to accompany us home," said Lucy, overjoyed beyond measure, though, to find that he was going.
"Allow me to be the judge," answered St.Leon, and other than that, not a word was spoken until they reached Mr.Dayton's door.

Then, carefully carrying Lizzie into the house, he was about to leave, when Lucy detained him to thank him for his kindness, adding that she hoped to see him again.
"Certainly, I shall call to-morrow," was his reply, as he sprang down the steps, and entering his sleigh, was driven back to Mr.Graham's.
He found the company about dispersing, and meeting Ada in the hall, asked to accompany her home.

Ada's pride for a moment hesitated, and then she answered in the affirmative.

When St.Leon had seated her in his sleigh he turned back, on pretext of looking for something, but in reality to ask Anna Graham where Ada lived, as he did not wish to question her on the subject.
When they were nearly home St.Leon said, "Miss Harcourt, have you always lived in S---- ?" "We have lived here but two years," answered Ada; and St.Leon continued: "I cannot rid myself of the impression that somewhere I have met you before." "Indeed," said Ada, "when and where ?" But his reply was prevented by the sleigh's stopping at Mrs.
Harcourt's door.

As St.Leon bade Ada good night he whispered, "I shall see you again." Ada made no answer, but going into the house where her mother was waiting for her, she exclaimed, "Oh, mother, mother, I've seen him!--he was there!--he brought me home!" "Seen whom ?" asked Mrs.Harcourt, alarmed at her daughter's agitation.
"Why, Hugh St.Leon!" replied Ada.
"St.Leon in town!" repeated Mrs.Harcourt, her eye lighting up with joy.
'Twas only for a moment, however, for the remembrance of what she was when she knew St.Leon, and what she now was, recurred to her, and she said calmly, "I thought you had forgotten that childish fancy." "Forgotten!" said Ada bitterly; and then as she recalled the unkind remark of Lucy Dayton she burst into a passionate fit of weeping.
After a time Mrs.Harcourt succeeded in soothing her, and then drew from her all the particulars of the party, St Leon and all.


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